Physics: A First course
By Tom Hsu, Ph.D.
9 th Grade Physics First Class
Chapter 7: Temperature,Energy, and Matter Section 7.1 and 7.4
These two sections are similar in their approach because they are sections which are geared towards conceptual understanding. They use diagrams, images and illustrations to help understanding. Representation of the Phenomena:
- It represents that all things can be broken down into the elements and atoms.
It does so by breaking it down step by step. Matter to elements to atoms. Then they explain how these make
compounds,molecules, and mixtures.
- There is a great part about conductors of heat. It shows why down jackets keep us warm and how thermos work. Providing Vivid Experience:
-These sections of the chapter gives great diagrams and uses other ways to relate the material to the kids.
On page 169 it explains the difference between a element, compound and mixture. Then it has a representation of each so they
can visualize it. This cuts back on misconceptions and right away bases a norm for what the molecules will be represented by.
On page 183 it gives a great illustration to go along with the reading about convection.
Representing Ideas Effectively:
It uses everyday things that kids can relate to in order to make understanding this phenomena more understandable.
Figure 7.4: It shows that aluminum foil is actually 200,000 atoms thick. It does this by zooming in on a small area of foil
then representing the atoms as small balls.
Sections 7.2 and 7.3
These two sections are different because they have many more definitions. The definitions are accompanied by some calculations which the book did a good job with. Representation of Phenomena:
They used a the same representation of atoms as balls but this time they use lines to show whether or not the molecules are bonded. They represent the motion of the atoms with arrows and images of vibrations. This is to show that the movement of the atoms against one another is a matter of temperature. They show how this differs from when they all move together which represents velocity. Providing Vivid Experiences:
I think the book did a great job with showing kids how to do the math involved. They go step by step with each calculation.
For the calculation of fahrenheit to celsius they give a problem then have numbered steps:
1. Looking For
2. Given:
3. Relationships:
4. Solution:
Then they have a "Your turn...." and the student has to do one using this method.
Representing Ideas Effectively:
I'm not sure I really like this section only because the heavy weight on definitions. I wish that they had used the same amount of illustrations in these two sections as they had in the other two. They used good ones when they did for example:
They explained why different materials have different specific heats by showing 1 Kg of Silver and 1 Kg of Aluminum in atomic form.
this shows the kids that the atoms of silver are bigger then aluminum and it the energy of heat needs to be spread over more atoms
in aluminum and thats why it has a higher specific heat.
By Tom Hsu, Ph.D.
9 th Grade Physics First Class
Chapter 7: Temperature,Energy, and Matter
Section 7.1 and 7.4
These two sections are similar in their approach because they are sections which are geared towards conceptual understanding. They use diagrams, images and illustrations to help understanding.
Representation of the Phenomena:
- It represents that all things can be broken down into the elements and atoms.
- It does so by breaking it down step by step. Matter to elements to atoms. Then they explain how these make
- compounds,molecules, and mixtures.
- There is a great part about conductors of heat. It shows why down jackets keep us warm and how thermos work.Providing Vivid Experience:
-These sections of the chapter gives great diagrams and uses other ways to relate the material to the kids.
- On page 169 it explains the difference between a element, compound and mixture. Then it has a representation of each so they
- can visualize it. This cuts back on misconceptions and right away bases a norm for what the molecules will be represented by.
- On page 183 it gives a great illustration to go along with the reading about convection.
Representing Ideas Effectively:It uses everyday things that kids can relate to in order to make understanding this phenomena more understandable.
- Figure 7.4: It shows that aluminum foil is actually 200,000 atoms thick. It does this by zooming in on a small area of foil
- then representing the atoms as small balls.
Sections 7.2 and 7.3These two sections are different because they have many more definitions. The definitions are accompanied by some calculations which the book did a good job with.
Representation of Phenomena:
They used a the same representation of atoms as balls but this time they use lines to show whether or not the molecules are bonded. They represent the motion of the atoms with arrows and images of vibrations. This is to show that the movement of the atoms against one another is a matter of temperature. They show how this differs from when they all move together which represents velocity.
Providing Vivid Experiences:
I think the book did a great job with showing kids how to do the math involved. They go step by step with each calculation.
- For the calculation of fahrenheit to celsius they give a problem then have numbered steps:
- 1. Looking For
- 2. Given:
- 3. Relationships:
- 4. Solution:
- Then they have a "Your turn...." and the student has to do one using this method.
Representing Ideas Effectively:I'm not sure I really like this section only because the heavy weight on definitions. I wish that they had used the same amount of illustrations in these two sections as they had in the other two. They used good ones when they did for example: